- This year, food prices are rising because of inflation and pandemic-related labor shortages.
- Start shopping in your own pantry first and build a menu around what you already have.
- Only buy certain cuts of turkey that your family likes instead of the whole bird, or go meatless.
- Read more stories from Personal Finance Insider.
If you’ve been surprised by a hefty bill at the grocery checkout counter recently, you’re not alone. According to CBS News, food prices are up by an average of 3.7% so far in 2021 due to inflation and pandemic-related labor shortages. Experts say the price per pound of turkey is increasing because of higher demand this year than last year, when we were all hosting smaller gatherings.
This year, holiday dinners will be more expensive than usual, but planning early in the holiday season can help you stay on budget. We asked two private chefs, who budget meals for clients on a daily basis, to bring you these six creative tips to save big on Thanksgiving dinner.
1. Go shopping in your pantry first
Chef Nik Fields of Chic Chef Co. says that, for most of us, our pantries are already well-stocked with Thanksgiving essentials. “Look to see what you already have and build a menu around it,” he says. You might find dried herbs, bouillon cubes, and canned vegetables that you can easily slash from your grocery list.
2. Skip the meat
Meat products are usually the most expensive part of your grocery bill, and Thanksgiving is no exception. To cut costs, Fields says, “Use hearty vegetables like roasted mushrooms or squash as key dishes” instead of cooking a meat-centric main course. If you’re not quite ready for a meatless Thanksgiving, try shopping for cuts of turkey that your family actually likes instead of buying the whole bird.
3. Cook what’s on sale
Fields recommends reading grocery-store ads the day they come out, typically Sunday, and planning your shopping around what’s on sale. You’ll know exactly what you’ll be spending, plus, you’ll go into the grocery store with a clear and distinct mission. Fields says, “If one store runs out, keep in mind that most stores do price matching!”
TikTok-famous chef Violet Witchel adds, “Check your store’s rewards program or app. More often than not they’ll offer sign-up bonuses and discounts.” Witchel also recommends using first-time discounts from delivery-app services like Instacart to save a few extra bucks on Thanksgiving dinner.
4. Only buy exactly how much you need by weighing meat, produce, and nuts when you can
Those infinite tubs of Thanksgiving leftovers are costing you more than you think. Take pecans, for example. People often buy a…
Read More: 6 Creative Ways to Save on Thanksgiving Dinner This Year